Category Archives: Backsliding

When the Stick Breaks

Posted on April 11, 2023 by russellmckinney

Here’s a true story. A man caught a large rattlesnake and kept it in a cage. One day he decided to use the snake to jokingly give his wife a good scare. He opened up the cage, firmly placed a … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Backsliding, Choices, Personal Holiness, Sin, Temptation | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Addiction

Posted on April 10, 2023 by russellmckinney

A group consisting of linguists and animal trainers set about to train a chimpanzee to talk. For years they pampered the chimp and taught him different sounds. Finally, the day came when he was to verbalize his first words. With … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Alcohol, Backsliding, Belief, Change, Desires, Gambling, Gluttony, Homosexuality, Lust, Personal Holiness, Repentance, Restoration, Salvation, Sex, Sin, Slavery, Temptation, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Spirit Is Willing, But the Flesh Is Weak

Posted on March 31, 2023 by russellmckinney

Let’s say that a man makes a weekly habit of taking a walk in the woods on Sunday rather than attending church. One Sunday he sees an angry bear running toward him. He says, “God, if you will keep me … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Change, Church Attendance, Commitment, Discipleship, Faithfulness, Obedience, Personal Holiness | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

How Does a Worm Get Inside an Apple?

Posted on February 16, 2023 by russellmckinney

Most people think the worm burrows down inside the apple from the outside. In actuality, however, the worm was born inside the apple. It’s an interesting process. I’ve read this in various places, but for this post I’ll quote directly … Continue reading →

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The Forgotten Word

Posted on February 3, 2023 by russellmckinney

Consider the following handful of verses (all from the New King James Version, with emphasis added on my part): “I listened and heard, but they do not speak aright. No man repented of his wickedness, saying, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone turned to … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Belief, Faith, Personal Holiness, Preaching, Repentance, Salvation, Sin | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Maybe It’s Time to Sharpen Your Blade

Posted on January 4, 2023 by russellmckinney

If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success. (Ecclesiastes 10:10, N.K.J.V.) This verse teaches us the value of working smarter rather than harder. Obviously, sharpening the edge of a … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Backsliding, Bible Study, Change, Church Attendance, Commitment, Confession, Dying To Self, God's Will, God's Work, New Year, Personal Holiness, Prayer, Repentance, Sanctification, Scripture, Sin, Submission | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Three-Point Checklist for the New Year

Posted on January 2, 2023 by russellmckinney

Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left. Remove your foot from evil. … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Change, Choices, Contentment, Discipleship, Doing Good, God's Will, Holiness, New Year, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Temptation | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Swimming at Your Own Risk

Posted on December 26, 2022 by russellmckinney

One summer, when the boys were young, we had one day left on our beach vacation. So, we used that day to give the boys a final opportunity to enjoy the ocean and pool. This had been the first year … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Choices, Confession, Disobedience, God's Chastening, God's Judgment, God's Word, Obedience, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Repentance, Scripture, Sin, Sowing and Reaping, The Bible | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Recalculating

Posted on December 17, 2022 by russellmckinney

In my last post, I mentioned G.P.S. systems as examples of the otherworldly technology that now passes for our normal, everyday lives. I remember the first time that Tonya and I used one of those systems for our family’s vacation … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Choices, Disobedience, God's Love, God's Omniscience, God's Will, Grace, Obedience, Repentance, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Your Penny

Posted on November 14, 2022 by russellmckinney

He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. (Proverbs 28:13, N.K.J.V.) Little Billy had his hand stuck in an expensive vase. His mother tried her best to pull the hand out, … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Change, Choices, Disobedience, God's Holiness, Personal Holiness, Preaching, Rebellion, Repentance, Seeking Forgiveness | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment